News – Latest News

Hundreds of Northland Students Bike to School

National Bike to School Day Celebrated With More Than 300 Students Participating at Congdon Park Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 300 students from Duluth’s Congdon Park Elementary School woke up Wednesday morning, grabbed their backpacks and strapped on their bike helmets, all to celebrate National Bike to School Day. Each year, parents at local schools along with teachers and staff plan events to recognize the true meaning of getting to school on a bicycle. Organizers at…

High Fire Danger In Place Prompts The DNR To A Car Fire

Car Goes Up In Flames Near Wooded Area

DULUTH, Minn. – A car was engulfed in flames this morning around 10 a.m. Officials say the engine was likely the cause for the blaze. The car was parked at Kev’s Auto Sales off of Rice Lake Road.  No one was inside the vehicle at the time and no one was injured. It was burning for around 15 minutes and was…

Dayton Vetoes 2 GOP-Backed Abortion Bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed two GOP-backed bills that sought to limit abortions in Minnesota. The bills would have restricted public health programs from covering the procedure and created a permitting system for facilities that perform abortions. Republicans who control the Legislature argued greater protections were necessary both for the safety of women and for…

Governor Walker Declares State of Emergency as Wildfire Conditions are Elevated

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker signed in Executive Order #242 today, declaring a State of Emergency in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. Due to dry conditions and high winds, Wisconsin has been experiencing above average fire occurrences, leading to a statewide wildfire threat. Walker stated this was a precautionary measure to “ensure everyone at the state…

Wisconsin Assembly Approves Stiffer Ignition Interlock Rule

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Assembly has approved a bill that would create stiffer ignition interlock rules for drunken drivers. The bipartisan-supported measure passed Wednesday would prohibit all repeat offenders as well as first-time offenders with a blood alcohol percentage of 0.15 or greater from drivinga ny vehicle without an ignition interlock. State law already requires all offenders to…

Minnesota Health Commissioner Calls for Emergency Funding for Measles Outbreak

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s health commissioner is asking state legislators to provide $5 million for an emergency fund to deal with an outbreak of measles and other infectious diseases. Dr. Ed Ehlinger says public health officials are dealing with the largest measles outbreak in Minnesota in nearly 30 years and in recent months have responded to drug-resistant tuberculosis…

Human Remains Discovered in Pine County During Search for Sandstone Man

May be those of a man missing for 2 years

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Human remains have been discovered after a search for a missing man, according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities indicate that on May 6, members of the search group United Legacy were conducting a search in the region for a man that has been missing since March 3, 2015. Kenneth “Scott” Kleppen, who went missing just…

Sen. Klobuchar Helps Minnesota Man Who IRS Falsely Declared ‘Dead’ for 29 Years

Photo: Fox 9 BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) – A U.S. Senator from Minnesota has helped a man rectify his struggle with the IRS, which declared him dead for nearly 30 years. FOX 9 reports that Senator Amy Klobuchar managed to reverse the false declaration and Adam Ronning is now recognized as being alive by government standards. The false declaration initially…

Local Brewery Marks Anniversary with Annual Celebration

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Celebrates 4th Annual Festiversary

DULUTH, Minn. – Celebrations will be underway this weekend as a local brewery marks its anniversary. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is hosting the 4th Annual Festiversary on Saturday, May 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This outdoor brewery festival celebrates the brewery’s 4th anniversary with live music, family activities, food trucks and plenty of Bent Paddle beer. The event…

Shooting Occurs this Morning at Hillside Super America Parking Lot

Victim Left with Non-Life Threatening Injuries

DULUTH, Minn.-A man was shot earlier this morning in the Super America parking lot at 602 E. Fourth St. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One firearm was found at the scene and it was determined that it belonged to the victim. No one else was hurt during the shooting. Probable cause does exist to…

Donation to Lake Superior Zoo Benefits Animal Health

X-ray Machine Donated by St. Luke's Hospital

DULUTH, Minn. – As many of us know, dealing with a broken bone can be difficult. When it comes to animals, chances are the diagnosis is even harder to pinpoint. Now, thanks to generous donors in the Northland, the Lake Superior Zoo is now equipped with the latest and greatest X-ray technology. “Monty is the kind of snake that doesn’t strike,…

Van Crashes into Police Cruiser, Fire Rig as Brakes Fail

Duluth Police Were Investigating Another Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating after a crash took place on the 900 block of Central Entrance Dr. Tuesday night. Authorities got the call at 9:19 p.m. A 24-year-old male lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. No other vehicles were involved. Authorities say the man was taken to a Duluth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Shortly after…

Arson Ruled as Cause of Lincoln Park Fire

$5.000 Reward Being Offered

DULUTH, Minn.-A Monday fire at 2008 W. Fourth Street has been ruled an arson by the Duluth Fire Department. According to the department, the blaze began at the rear of the structure, which caused additional damage to the house next to it. The fire continues to be investigated by the Duluth police and fire departments. If you have any information…

National Tourism Rally in Duluth

Tourism is a Leading Contributor that Helped Shape Duluth's Economy.

It’s National Tourism Week and of course the tourism industry stands out in Duluth. Some say, it’s thanks in part to one man, whose efforts were celebrated at the Visit Duluth Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Tuesday. Tourism in Duluth all started with Grandmas Marathon and ever since, events like Blues Fest, the air show and much more has helped…

Heroes Honored for Saving Friend

Beau Foix and John Marcella Acted Quickly to Save Cody Herrmann

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Cody Herrmann is lucky to be alive and lucky he has quick thinking friends like Beau Foix and John Marcella. “It still hasn’t hit me, what could have happened,” he said. In the early morning hours of October 1st, the boys were getting set to leave from this boat dock for a little duck hunting.  That’s when…

Graffiti-Filled Lighthouse Gets Painted Over

DULUTH, Minn. – There was new information Tuesday involving the disturbing graffiti spray-painted all over one of the historic lighthouses in Canal Park. The Army Corps of Engineers put a fresh coat of white paint on top of the graffiti. A top official with the Duluth Army Corps of Engineers says the U.S. discussions are now underway to form a…

7 West TapHouse Expanding Near Miller Hill Mall

New Location: 2510 Maple Grove Road

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years after launching 7 West TapHouse in downtown Duluth, and most recently on Tower Avenue in Superior, the fast-making burger machine is expanding near the Miller Hill Mall. “I sat up here and counted the number of cars one day, and the number is ridiculous,” said Rick Lampton, owner of the 7 West businesses in the…

SOAR Career Solutions Recognizes Hired Clients at Celebration

The non-profit has helped employ 11,000 people since it started in 1980

  DULUTH, Minn. – SOAR Career Solutions recognized the hard work of its newly hired clients. The Duluth-based career planning center held its 2nd Annual Reach Hire! Celebration & Fundraiser Tuesday night at Zeitgeist. SOAR has been in the community since 1980 and has helped more than 11,000 individuals gain employment. The non–profit organization works with people of all backgrounds…

Curtis Oil Sells SuperAmerica Franchise In Duluth Area

All But One Location To Stay, Including All Employees

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s oldest gas station groups has been sold.  But the dozens of employees – some of more than 30 years – are staying put. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reported Tuesday that Curtis Oil has made a deal to sell eight of the nine franchise SuperAmerica gas station in the Northland to SuperAmerica Corporate. Curtis Oil…

Superior Firefighters Undergo Stress Tests for Heart Health

St. Luke's is Partnering with Superior Fire Department, After a Federal Grant Allows for Free Stress Tests

DULUTH, Minn. – A federal grant recently received by the Superior Fire Department is going toward improving the quality of health for firefighters. Tuesday morning, firefighter Cameron Vollbrecht responded to his stress test appointment at the St. Luke’s Regional Vascular Center. Experts are using the tests to take a closer look at lung capacity and heart rate under intense situations….

Nettleton Back on Market

Deal Fell Through to Turn Old School Into Senior Housing

DULUTH, Minn.-The sale of the vacant Nettleton Elementary has fallen through once again. Duluth Schools were hoping United Properties would follow through on buying it and turning it into senior housing. District officials are telling us now, that they are putting it back on the market as they hope for another buyer. Around 60 units would have gone into the…

New Housing Opportunities Coming to Cloquet

Low-Income and Mid-Income Housing Coming to Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-Cloquet is expecting to add some additional housing to their community over the next year. City officials told us today there are plans in the works to add 12 single-level homes along the Cloquet golf course, which would be for middle-income families. “It’s a great opportunity… we’re adding these units which we think are going to create move-up, move-down, types…

Vandals Damage Hibbing Fire Trailer

Trailer is Used to Teach Area Kids Fire Safety

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing’s Fire Department is having trouble spreading its message of fire safety to area kids. Last winter someone broke into the fire department’s safety trailer, causing damage to the interior and exterior, and stole equipment used in fire safety presentations. Hibbing’s Fire Marshal says getting the trailer up and running again will cost between $3,000–5,000, but it’s…

Construction Starts on Hibbing Roundabout

Work Will be Finished in the Fall

HIBBING, Minn. – The city Will soon have A roundabout at a busy intersection. Work started Tuesday on a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Rt. 169 and MN-37. Traffic is limited to one lane in each direction for the next two weeks while crews work on a cross–over. The roundabout should be finished in the fall. Categories: News, News…

Trump Fires FBI Director James Comey

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey Tuesday, saying it was necessary to restore “public trust and confidence” in the nation’s top law enforcement agency following several tumultuous months. “The FBI is one of our nation’s most cherished and respected institutions, and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement,”…

University of Wisconsin-Superior Hosts Sexual Assault Awareness Discussion

UWS speak out against sexual assault

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – While Sexual Assault Awareness Month is in April, folks over at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are continuing the conversation, and bringing more awareness to the issue. UWS was the host for the “Speak Out Superior: Changing the Culture and Engaging New Voices. Trained advocates were on hand to talk with the community about ways to prevent sexual assault,…

Classes, Activities Cancelled at Gransburg High School Following Threats

GRANSBURG, Wis. – Grantsburg High School cancelled all classes and activities Tuesday following a threat on social media. The Grantsburg Superintendent released a letter to parents and the public stating that the district was notified just after 7 a.m. about a social media post that stated a student had intentions to become a school shooter. As a result, classes were…

2 Formally Charged in Duluth Apartment Drug Bust

Search warrant executed in the 100 block of N 30th Ave W

Tyjuan Hill (left) and Rachel Fenzel (right)Photo: St. Louis County DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department reports that on Monday, May 8, the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 100 block of North 30th Avenue West. The search warrant was a result of an investigation into the suspected…

Oregon on Track to be First State with No Gender on License

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon is on track to become the first state to allow residents to skip a gender identity on their driver’s licenses and identification cards. Transgender residents say the change would make them feel safer. The Oregonian/OregonLive said Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t oppose the change and will hold a hearing Wednesday in Portland….

Prosecutor to Appeal Hernandez Conviction Ruling

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) – Prosecutors say they will appeal a ruling erasing former NFL star Aaron Hernandez’s conviction in a 2013 murder because he died before his appeal was heard. Judge Susan Garsh ruled Tuesday that Hernandez’s conviction must be dismissed under longstanding case law in Massachusetts that says a conviction is not final under a court has decided…

Teen’s Plea for Free Wendy’s Nuggets Sets Retweet Record

Retweeted more than 3.4 million times

RENO, Nev. (AP) – A Twitter plea form a Nevada teen for a year of free chicken nuggets from Wendy’s is now the most retweeted post of all time. Carter Wilkerson asked the fast food chain on Twitter last month how many retweets it would take for him to get free nuggets for a year. Wendy’s replied, “18 million.”  …

Mayo Clinic Now Offers Gender Reassignment Surgery

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Mayo Clinic says its surgeons have performed the first gender reassignment surgery in Rochester. Doctors helped Michael Keller of Rochester transition to Marisa Ann Bella in a nearly six-hour procedure. The 1980 Rochester Lourdes graduate was on eof the first patients to enroll in Mayo’s Transgender and intersex Specialty Care Clinic when it opened more than…

Bill to Limit Election Recount in Wisconsin Advances

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bill that would have prevented Wisconsin’s presidential election recount is gaining momentum in the state Legislature. The Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections voted 6-3 to send to the full Assembly a Republican proposal that would limit who can request recounts in state and local elections. Under the bill, only candidates who trail the winner…

Prosecutors Charged Man with Breaking into Wisconsin Capitol

Charged with criminal damage to property and entry into a locked building

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Prosecutors have charged a Beloit man with breaking into the state Capitol. Twenty-seven-year-old Zachary Bigelow was charged Tuesday with criminal damage to property and entry into a locked building. According to a criminal complaint, police discovered a broken window in the first-floor of the Capitol bathroom and blood throughout the building Saturday morning. They found another…

Montessori Could be Moving to a New Location

MRM hopes to make the old Cobb School building their home for the 2018-19 school year

DULUTH, Minn. – Cobb Elementary in Woodland could soon be the new home for Many Rivers Montessori. Many Rivers has signed a purchase agreement with Woodland Hills, which currently owns the building. The move, which the Montessori hopes to make by the fall of 2018, would triple the campus size for the school. Their current campus, which is for for grades…

Verizon Shows off Technology for Mother’s Day Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re on the hunt for a Mother’s Day gift, Verizon Wireless is hoping to help. This morning, Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to talk about some options for mom. Google Home: Answers questions, googles anything hands-free, plays music, plays games. To purchase, head to verizonwireless.com. Wireless Soundsport Bose Headphones: Sweat resistant, versatile uses. To purchase,…

Carpet Removed to Reveal Original Wood Floors at Glensheen

Red Carpet Had Been in Place for 40 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is revealing some old floors that look brand new. The red carpet has been removed from the basement to unveil the original woods floors throughout the level. The work was done throughout the month of April. The wood was refinished with a natural stain. This is the first time since the 1970s that this basement…

40 Years of Paint Removed from Glensheen Room

Stenciling Unveiled in Alfred's Room

DULUTH, Minn. – History is being revealed at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Hard work is bringing life back to the walls of Alfred’s room. After 40 years in hiding the original stenciling in Alfred’s room is on full display at the mansion. “We really strive to make it feel like it was in 1910,” said Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager for Glensheen….

House Fire Spreads Next Door in Lincoln Park

Duluth Fire Causes Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – A house in Duluth went up in flames Monday night and the fire spread next door. The Duluth Fire Department got a call at 10 p.m. for a structure fire at 2008 W. 3rd St. While en route, firefighters were notified of possibly trapped occupants. Upon arrival we found heavy fire coming from the rear of the house…

Knowing Your Neighbor, Buffalo Valley Campground

Campground Has Many Amenities

It’s almost time to get the kids, load up the camper and head to your favorite camp ground. The family could be sitting around a campfire, eating s’mores and not having a care in the world. Sound nice? In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbor, we take you to Buffalo Valley Campground that sits just miles from Duluth. Buffalo Valley campground has…

Council Decides To Table ‘Local Authority’ Resolution

Resolution Would Allow City More Local Control

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council was undecided on a resolution Monday night that would perhaps give the local government more localized power to make decisions. But multiple city council members felt the resolution could potentially cost the city of Duluth millions of dollars in bonding money for future projects if the council moved forward with the resolution. The…

Mother Pleads For Answers In Unsolved Hit and Run

Scott Christensen Was Killed Seven Months Ago

Seven months after losing her son, one Iron Range mother is hoping someone out there can help her find closure. Rita Licari wants answer about what happened to her son, Scott Christensen the night he died. Investigators say Christensen was hit and killed on Highway 100 near Aurora sometime before 4 a.m. Oct. 2 of 2016, but they still don’t…

Duluth School Board Questions Proposed Cost of Playground Mulch Removal

The $1.2 million bid was twice the amount estimated by the consultant working with the district

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board met Monday as part of a business committee meeting to discuss a controversial topic that’s been going on for the last couple years. The issue stems from safety concerns brought up by parents, regarding the rubber mulch used at the district’s nine school playgrounds. Concern was shared among board members about the proposed…